Due to increasing server problems caused by super-size threads we have been advised to interrupt threads at 15,000 posts and then re-start them as Part 2 or similar. There is no actual disruption cause by this process as it will be seamless, and the threads will be linked to each other in the last/first posts of each section. Please note that threads are NOT being closed, they are restarting every time they reach 15,000 posts (150 pages) and this should cause no significant problems.

Official advice from the forum software authors is that threads should be closed and restarted with a new thread before they reach a maximum limit, to avoid database issues that affect a site's operation. At ECF we have many giant threads well above the size limit set by the software developers, and we are experiencing some site speed issues that indicate action needs to be taken.

Megathreads of over 15,000 posts (1,500 pages at the default size of 10 posts per page) will be closed soon, by agreement with the thread owner (OP) or participants. Our Supplier Admin will liaise with Suppliers so that this process can proceed smoothly.

All threads will be restarted in a 'Part 2'. We hope that the OP (original poster who started the thread) can start the new thread. If not available, we would like thread participants to agree on who the new OP is to be, and PM a Moderator to pass that message on (or you can report the post using the small triangle icon at the bottom and pass on your message that way). We will try to establish an agreed OP for the new thread start, but if this is not possible, we will do this on behalf of the thread participants.

The new thread can have a similar but not identical title: although it can just be re-worded, the easiest method is to numerically increment the title/s with '- Part 2' , or just '-2' at the end. Keep in mind that some thread topics seem immortal and therefore need a big-number title capability, like -Part 42 or however you plan to increment it - a simple re-wording of the title is going to get a bit difficult after 8 or 9 iterations...

We hope you understand the reasons for this, and will help in arranging a smooth process. Please keep in mind that your thread is not being closed, it is just being briefly interrupted. It will live forever...

In the future, all threads will be restarted as needed, on or about the 15,000 post limit. Members can start to agree on a new OP as that limit is reached, if the original thread starter is no longer participating.